Abstract: A method (910) for rendering an audio signal in a virtual reality rendering environment (180) is described. The method (910) comprises rendering (911) an origin audio signal of an audio source (311, 312, 313) from an origin source position on an origin sphere (114) around an origin listening position (301) of a listener (181). Furthermore, the method (900) comprises determining (912) that the listener (181) moves from the origin listening position (301) to a destination listening position (302). In addition, the method (900) comprises determining (913) a destination source position of the audio source (311, 312, 313) on a destination sphere (114) around the destination listening position (302) based on the origin source position, and determining (914) a destination audio signal of the audio source (311, 312, 313) based on the origin audio signal.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are provided for processing geographic data and identifying geographic locations. In one implementation, a computer-implemented method is provided that is performed by one or more processors, the method comprising operations including receiving a query including an address, parsing the address into tokens, and sending the tokens to one or more harvesters. The method also includes receiving one or more geographic location candidates from the one or more harvesters in response to the tokens, comparing the one or more candidates, and returning one or more geographic locations based on the comparison.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a system and method that bring together the advantages of computer games and the physical world to increase engagement, collaboration and learning. The system and method can be used with a myriad of physical setups and can be used for many different content areas in education. In one embodiment, a mixed reality interaction is facilitated with an EarthShake™ game presented on a display. The game is synchronized with a tangible interface comprising a physical object and a sensor capable of detecting a change in the condition of the physical object. The system and method help kids discover scientific and other learning principles while experimenting with real objects in a physical environment supported with audio and visual feedback. Students interactively make predictions, see results, grapple with disconfirming evidence and formulate explanations in forms of general principles.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for adding realism to synthetic speech. The method includes receiving text (218) that is to be converted into synthetic speech from a mobile device (108). The text (218) may include embedded emoticons indicating a first prosody information and a predefined sound stored in a stored data repository (208). The method also includes identifying a user associated with the text (218) based on a comparison between metadata associated with the text (218) and user profiles stored in the stored data repository (208); retrieving a speech font from a speech data corpus associated with the user stored in the stored data repository (208). The speech font includes a second prosody information and a predefined accent of the user. The method further includes converting the text (218) into synthetic speech based on the retrieved speech font, which is being modulated based on the emoticon.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for creating structural drawings and an electronic device adapted to the method are provided. The method includes setting a reference height for at least one wall, receiving image information regarding at least one wall, generating vectors for the wall of the image information, and generating a structural drawing based on one or more of the generated vectors.

Abstract: A board game that combines the traditional Asian counting system of tally marks; basic addition skills; vertical and horizontal tracking of tally numeral combinations; and strategic sequential placement of same-color Game Tiles is disclosed. Generally, the goal is to place five same-color game tiles in a sequential row or column—and have their collective tally sum equal to the white tally numeral on the black tiles that flank both ends of the sequential row or column. The first person or team to place five same-color game tiles in a sequential row or column—and have their collective tally sum equal to the white tally numeral on the black tiles that flank both ends of the sequential row or column—is the winner of the game. The winner is the first person or team to win three games.

Abstract: A method of and system for speech synthesis. First and second text inputs are received in a text-to-speech system, and processed into respective first and second speech outputs corresponding to stored speech respectively from first and second speakers using a processor of the system. The second speech output of the second speaker is adapted to sound like the first speech output of the first speaker.

Abstract: An authentication server and methods of generating a token for use by a mobile device to establish authorization for the mobile device to access a service provided by a service server, the method comprising receiving a request for the token from the mobile device, generating the token comprising location data identifying a location for the mobile device and authentication data indicating a level of access that the mobile device is permitted to have to the service provided by the service server, and transmitting the token to the mobile device.

Abstract: An interactive scholastic teaching device may use first and second portions of a touchscreen for presenting problems and receiving answers to the problems from a user. The first portion of a touchscreen display is used for presenting one or more scholastic problems for a user during a problem session, and the second portion of the touchscreen display is used for recording one or more traces manually input by the user on the second portion of the touchscreen display during the problem session. A memory stores the one or more traces. The touchscreen display may also include a third portion having one or more touch buttons structured to accept input from the user during the problem session, which may also be stored in the memory, and associated with the stored traces. The traces may be stored in image form, moving image form, or in data that may be re-created to form a moving image.

Abstract: An audio based learning system includes: at least one audio unit; and at least one portable terminal, wherein the at least one zone spans a bounded area around a geographical position and has an outside portion and an inside portion separated by a zone boundary area, the inside portion of the at least one zone having inside acoustic scene information; wherein the at least one audio unit is configured to be head worn and is configured to communicate with the at least one portable terminal, wherein the at least one audio unit is configured to output outside acoustic scene information about the at least one geographical position of at least one zone when the at least one audio unit is outside the at least one zone, and to output the inside acoustic scene information when the at least one audio unit is inside the at least one zone.

Abstract: The system collects location tracking data about each user and analyzes the location tracking data to determine the level of expertise a user has for a specific venue/event or a specific geographic region at a particular scale on a map. The system receives questions about a specific venue/event or about a category of venue/event in a specific geographic region at a particular scale on a map and routes those questions in real time to one or more experts for the specific venue/event or the category of venue/event in the specific geographic region. The system receives a response to the question from at least one of the one or more experts and routes the response back to the requestor, also in real time. The system also efficiently represents the location of a plurality of venues/events and/or users within a specific geographic region on a displayed map at a plurality of scales.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus to provide information about a historical site, or other location of interest, through an interactive search/tour computer application particularly suited for site seeing experiences.

Abstract: There is a system and method for promoting travel education including a toy having a particular geographic association represented visually on the toy. The toy includes a unique identifier observable on the toy and associated with the particular geographic association. The system includes a management module configured to interact with the toy and thereby promote travel education. The management module includes a user account management module associated with the unique identifier of the toy and configured to manage a user account associated therewith and to receive location information in regards to the toy. The management module includes a geographic rules module in communication with the user account management module and configured to store, provide and enforce a set of rules on the user account based on the particular geographic location of the toy associated with the user account.

Abstract: Aspects for teaching geographic-specific are disclosed, which include apparatuses, methods, and computer-readable storage media to facilitate such teaching. For instance, in an exemplary embodiment, a response to a geographic-specific task is solicited and evaluated. A set of reward units is then adjusted based on an accuracy of the response, and a virtual travel experience is facilitated according to the accuracy.

Abstract: The subject structure consists of a base, a spine rising from the base, and a group of Earth planetary illustrations affixed at intervals along the height of the spine. Colors, symbols, text, texture, and artifacts on an illustration represent specified characteristics of biological forms and planetary conditions for one or more sites on the Earth at a given time, past, present or future. The intervals between the locations of the illustrations along the height of the spine represent time intervals in the existence of Earth. This overall presentation therefore displays biological and environmental information on a global platform as conditions change through time. The information specified is drawn from published research and recognized researchers and is also recorded in and retrievable from an associated database.

Abstract: A game and method of playing game teaches players thereof about geography. The game includes a playing surface having a geographical area divided into subregions illustrated thereon, the geographical area and subregions having geographically significant shapes. A plurality of cards are provided with each card having indicia thereon which represents one of said subregions. A plurality of markers (e.g., pushing pins) are provided as playing pieces, one color for each player and one marker for each card. These markers are used to attach to the playing surface within a plurality of the subregions.

Abstract: A game box includes a box and a drawer is located in the lower space of the box and includes at least one chamber. The box includes an operation portion protruding in the upper space of the box and multiple slots are defined in an inside of the operation portion. At least one figure board slides in the slots and a light source is located in the box. The light of the light source goes through the at least one figure board. The at least one figure board includes holes which are located corresponding to the multiple areas of the map on the at least one figure board. At least one index member is received in the at least one chamber of the drawer and the players insert the index member into the correct hole in the at least one figure board.

Abstract: A flying arrangement, consisting of at least one flying unit that is able to start vertically and that can accommodate at least one person for flying freely within at least a hall, the boundaries of which prevent a flying unit from leaving the hall.

Abstract: An apparatus for educating children includes a first symbol for application to a first article of clothing and a second symbol for application to a second article of clothing. The first article of clothing is worn by a user at a same time as the second article of clothing and the first article of clothing and the second article of clothing are both part of a clothing set. The second symbol is non-identical to the first symbol and the first symbol corresponds to and matches the second symbol based on a relationship of an educational topic.

Abstract: A three-dimensional cartographic computer user interface system for enhancing geo-spatial comprehension and geographic information system user interactivity is disclosed. The system has at least one computer and operating system, user input means, and at least one positionable projection display means, including storage, retrieval and playback control means for the projected content. The system has user input device software responsive to input from at least one user input device which is operable on a three-dimensional user interface surface of the system, and software for the display and control of cartographic-related projected imagery, and software for the display and control of three-dimensional user interface-related content superimposed within the cartographic-related projected imagery.

Abstract: A new human interface scheme compresses geographical information, latitudes and longitudes, into a 10 symbols of 36 radices number systems which are based on 36s. It is to simplify the conventional representation of the latitudes and longitudes into much easier to be remembered and accessed by human beings, 10 symbols of 36 radices numbers, “Universal Geo Numbers”. The 5 symbols here can give the accuracy for latitudes and longitudes down to 5 meters which should be enough to accommodate the specifications for most geographic navigation related systems (i.e. GPS/GLONASS) and navigation equipments in the consumer market. The apparatus includes all means that comprise latitude/longitude information into the compressed codes for interfacing between human and machines.

Abstract: A Jigsaw educational game in one aspect therefore the invention resides in a jigsaw puzzle game comprising in combination, a plurality of jigsaw sheets or boards representing a geographical region e.g. continents or islands of the world; a plurality of jigsaw pieces for assembling on or in the jigsaw sheets or boards; question and answer means relating to the subject matter of the jigsaw sheets or boards and pieces, and rules for playing the jigsaw game wherein the winner is the first player to complete a jigsaw and has the right to earn further points by questioning the other players from the question and answer means, and wherein the rules further provide for the exchanging of jigsaw pieces between players to complete their individual jigsaws.

Abstract: An information distribution system capable of presenting an image photographed by a moving body, such as a robot or vehicle, selected by a user. The information distribution system includes moving bodies, local managers, and a global manager. When a user requests a connection with one of the moving bodies to the global manager through a portable terminal such as a portable phone, a menu generation section of the global manager generates a menu screen, and sends it to the portable terminal. The user selects one from the moving bodies through the menu screen, so that the portable terminal of the user connects with the selected moving body. An image photographed by a camera of the moving body is sent to the local manager, and information related to the image is superimposed on the image. Consequently, the superimposed image is sent to the portable terminal.

Abstract: The invention is a favored position globe. The globe includes a stand, a frame having an inside radius slightly larger than a radius of a cross-section of the globe, the globe having an interior, and also having a magnetically responsive material secured to a location on the globe, and proximate to a second magnetically responsive material, such that the sphere has a single predictable orientation when at rest. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: The invention is a favored position globe. The globe includes a stand, a frame having an inside radius slightly larger than a radius of a cross-section of the globe, the globe having an interior, and also having a weight secured to a location in the interior, such that the sphere has a single predictable orientation when at rest. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: A system and method for generating and providing access to a deep map. The system and method may enable a host to administer a deep map that may be generated interactively by one or more users that may be unaffiliated with the host. The system and method may enhance user access to the deep map administered by the host. The system and method may enable incorporation of perspective, as well as simple position or placement, into the deep map. For instance, a directional orientation of a user may be incorporated into the deep map.

Abstract: A process for spatially distributing a population count within a geographically defined area can include the steps of logically correlating land usages apparent from a geographically defined area to geospatial features in the geographically defined area and allocating portions of the population count to regions of the geographically defined area having the land usages, according to the logical correlation. The process can also include weighing the logical correlation for determining the allocation of portions of the population count and storing the allocated portions within a searchable data store. The logically correlating step can include the step of logically correlating time-based land usages to geospatial features of the geographically defined area. The process can also include obtaining a population count for the geographically defined area, organizing the geographically defined area into a plurality of sectors, and verifying the allocated portions according to direct observation.

Abstract: The present invention generates a digital image geographical special interest guide. According to one aspect, digital images are processed and associated with a category on a geographical map. A digital image geographical special interest guide corresponding to a category is generated. The digital image geographical special interest guide containing the associated digital images is provided to a user. A digital image geographical special interest guide aids people in easily locating detailed information on any of the available categories.

Abstract: A spherical world globe with geographic features imprinted on its surface rotates on an axis through the poles. The sphere is not large enough to carry legible details of all areas. Greater details are stored in a memory such as a compact disc. An indicator on the sphere is positionable north and south or the sphere is positionable relative to a fixed indicator to position the indicator along a north/south meridian. A sensor senses the north/south position of the indicator and sends a signal to a control circuit connected to the memory. Another sensor connected to the rotation of the sphere sends an east/west signal to the control circuit. Using the two signals, the circuit finds the area corresponding to the area selected on the sphere in the memory and displays it on a display in greater detail than is visible on the sphere.

Abstract: Method of assessing population with a spatially-stratified random sample comprising creating a grid on a study area, the grid being defined by target grid points to form grid cell, dividing each grid cell into a series of sub-grid cells, each of the series of sub-grid cells being identified from left to right and bottom to top within each of the grid cells, identifying and listing each sub-grid cell that intersects the study area, the list of sub-grid cells being sequences in the same order as the grid cells and the sub-grid cells, dividing the sub-grid list into sections, each of the sections being configured to have substantially equal numbers of sub-grid cells, and the number of sections being equal to the number of targeted grid points, and selecting a random sub-grid cell from each section of sub-grid cells to obtain the spatially-stratified random sample.

Abstract: Methods, teaching apparatus, and educational puzzles for facilitating conceptual development are provided. One embodiment is a teaching apparatus comprising: a lenticular material having an array of lenticules with cylindrical lenses; and a lenticular image associated with the lenticular material and designed to teach an educational concept, the lenticular image comprising a first image corresponding to a first category related to the educational concept and a second image corresponding to a second category related to the educational concept, the first and second categories selected such that relative movement between the teaching apparatus and a viewer enables the viewer to easily perceive the association between the first and second images and thereby learn the educational concept.

Abstract: A spherical world globe with geographic features imprinted on its surface rotates on and axis through the poles. The sphere is not large enough to carry legible details of all areas. Greater details are stored in a memory such as a compact disc. An indicator on the sphere slides north and south. A sensor senses the north south position of the indicator and sends a signal to a selection circuit connected to the memory. Another sensor connected to the rotation of the sphere sends an east/west signal to the memory. Using the two signals, the circuit find the area corresponding to the area selected on the sphere and displays it on a display in greater detail than is visible on the sphere.

Abstract: A graphical user interface provides for the specification of customised maps on a computer system. A user can select a centre for a proposed map. An overview representation of the proposed map and a border around the proposed map is generated and a detailed representation for an indicated part of the first representation. The user can change the part of the overview representation that is reproduced in the detailed representation in order to investigate the extent of the proposed map.

Abstract: A multi-disciplinary educational tool having a plurality of commodity representations, a plurality of instruction cards, and at least one cargo transfer means that is moved among a plurality of geographical regions is disclosed. The multi-disciplinary educational tool can also comprise a playing surface to represent a plurality of geographical regions. The commodity representations comprise physical samples, pictorial representations or a combination of physical samples and pictorial representations of the represented commodities. The multi-disciplinary educational tool can also comprise a quantity of money for use during trading and exchange rates, wherein the exchange rates can set prices and exchange rates for the plurality of commodity representations. The multi-disciplinary educational tool can also comprise a plurality of impact cards that affect trading.

Abstract: A programmable device for the display of information, comprising, a spherical or curved element, such as a globe, which is programmable/reprogrammable for the display of geographical, political, meteorological, biological, and cultural information. A spherical or curved element having a plurality of optical lens segments is in operable communication with programmable electronic displays, for displaying and representing information on the spherical element. The programmable displays are secured to the inside faces of lens segments so that images are directed to the outside surface of the sphere.

Abstract: A globe that shows internal structures of the earth three-dimensionally. The globe comprises a plurality of concentrically arranged spheres 1, 2, 3, 4 which are made of a transparent material except the innermost sphere and three-dimensional displaying members 5 to 11 which are arranged in the spaces between the spheres and represent the physically continuous internal structure of the earth.

Abstract: A visually reinforced learning and memorization system combines the coordination of alphabetic mnemonics, number integers and colors to provide the user with multiple mechanisms for learning memorizing information. The memorization system is particularly suited for memorizing geographic information, which can be surveyed using a diamond-based coordinate system that can be subdivided to increasingly small points.

Abstract: The touch controlled light emitted two balls instrument comprises the following elements. A seat with a two loops touch controlled sensing switch circuit system, one side of the seat is formed with a pivotal hole, and the opposite side of the seat is installed with a through hole used to mounted with a first light source. A supporting frame is a cambered rod having an approximate C shape and is assembled on the pivotal hole of the seat. A screw rod is mounted on the top of the rod and an engaging rod is projected from the lower end thereof and may be pivotally connected with a second light source. A globe is a hollow and transparent round ball and a world map is depicted on the surface thereof, and holes are formed on the upper and lower ends thereof for being inserted by the screw rod and convex shaft of the supporting frame and a first light source. A heaven body ball is a transparent round ball with a hollow inner space, a heaven body map is depicted thereon.

Abstract: An educational vehicle for exploring and viewing earth's surface includes a body, a plurality of wheels, a transparent plate, a removable cover and a mirror assembly. A child sits on the body. The wheels are rotatively coupled to the body. The transparent plate mechanically coupled to the body. The transparent plate forms a window through which the child is able to explore and view the earth's surface. The transparent plate also forms a magnifying lens. The removable cover is placed over the transparent plate.

Abstract: A multidisplay globe comprising a globular body including a globe spherical surface representing the earth, support means for mounting the globular body, and spherical film overlays removably mounted over the globe spherical surface for displaying selected features related to the earth. Each film overlay is preferably in two units comprising the northern and southern hemispheres of the earth. The spherical film overlays include one, two or more transparent film overlays each of which has a spherical surface one of which is removably mounted over the spherical earth surface and in turn each further film overlay is further removably mounted one over the other. The selected features related to the earth spherical surface are imprinted on the spherical surfaces of each of the film overlays.

Abstract: A terrarium representative of a geographical area is provided including a base and an enclosed housing constructed from a transparent material. Such housing includes a planar front face, a planar rear face and a periphery formed therebetween taking the shape of a border of the geographical area. The housing has an interior space with soil, rocks, and foliage situated therein which are commonly found in the geographical area.

Abstract: A touch controlled multiple functional terrestrial globe is disclosed. A ball is a transparent round ball with a hollow inner space, a world map is depicted on the surface of the ball; a palm shape supporting frame for supporting the ball by the part between the thumb and the index finger. The under-pan of a ball driven device is firmly secured to an axial rod through a positioning piece for bearing the ball, a belt disk is installed on the lower portion thereof, while the belt disk is connected to another belt disk under the central shaft of the motor through a belt, therefore, by starting a decelerated motor, the ball is driven to rotate. A light source is mounted on the top of an axial rod and can emit light. A seat is installed on the lower portion of the palm shape supporting frame, a touch controlled sensing circuit system is installed therewithin, it can connected to the decelerated motor and the bulb base through a dual loop touch controlled switch circuit.

Abstract: The text to speech conversion system distinguishes geographical names based upon the present position and includes a text input unit for inputting text data, a position coordinator input unit for inputting present location information of the text to speech conversion system, and a text normalizer connected to the text input unit and the position coordinator input unit for capable of generating a plurality of pronunciation signals indicative of a plurality of pronunciations for a common portion of the text data, the text normalizer selecting one of the pronunciation signals based upon the present location information.

Abstract: The invention comprises a container having sidewalls and a bottom; a rigid cover having integrally molded or detachable features simulating natural or manmade topographical features such as riverbeds, mountains, islands, whirlpools, and various rock and stone shapes. In accordance with the invention, the cover is detachably secured to the sidewalls of the container.

Abstract: An educational globe-shaped tool is provided including a rigid sphere having a plurality of bores formed therein each with a lamp and a switch associated therewith which generates an activation signal when closed. A plurality of country pieces each having an outboard portion with a periphery shaped as a unique country. Each country piece further has a post for being removably coupled with an associated one of the bores for closing the switch thereof. Control circuitry is connected between each of the switches and the lamps. Such control circuitry is adapted to illuminate one of the lamps upon the receipt of an associated activation signal.

Abstract: This invention comprises a method for teaching/learning about the general location of major political units of contemporary society using a series of sets of decks of geography playing cards; each set of decks comprises a world regions deck, a suited country card deck, an unsuited country card deck and a blotswanna card deck. The world regions card deck represents contemporary settled earth and comprises a plurality of continental landmass area suits and a plurality of region cards. Each suited country card deck represents one continental area and comprises a plurality of region suits and a plurality of political unit or country cards. Each unsuited country card deck also represents one continental area and comprises a plurality of political unit or country cards. World regions and country card decks provide three different, and increasing, levels of card play difficulty. A blotswanna card deck comprises a plurality of cards, as well, and is used to structure the card play of regions and country card decks.

Abstract: This invention provides for an interactive teaching device. The device comprises a housing depicting a map and has corresponding to various locations on the map. Also provided is a plurality of buttons, a card reader, a processor, and a speaker. Cards are provided with encoded information readable by the device, and depict objects such as animals. In response to insertion of a card or activation of a button thereafter, the device produces a signal that may be a prompt, a statement, or a sound associated with the depicted object. The device allows a user to respond to a prompt by selecting an appropriate button, upon which the device produces a signal validating the user's response.

Abstract: A visually reinforced learning and memorization system combines the coordination of alphabetic mnemonics, number integers and colors to provide the user with multiple mechanisms for learning memorizing information. The memorization system is particularly suited for memorizing geographic information, which can be surveyed using a diamond-based coordinate system that can be subdivided to increasingly small points.

Abstract: An Earth planet model based on the science of plate tectonics. Accordingly, the model (10) includes a plurality of curved members (12), each curved member representing one of Earth's crustal tectonic plates. Each plate member (12) is formed of a durable, lightweight plastic material and molded in raised and indented relief to illustrate such tectonic features as subduction zones, collision zones, mid-ocean ridges, island chains, island arcs, continental shelves, terrestrial and ocean floor topography, and the like. Plates (12) are attached to the exterior of a base globe (14) forming, as a whole, the surface layer of Earth, or lithosphere. The base globe itself consists of a plurality of spheroidal members, an inner core (22), an outer core (20), and a mantle (18), representing Earth's internal strata. The assembled model is positioned on a supporting pedestal (11) for display or demonstration. The pedestal includes a simple rotary mechanism which allows rotation of the model.

Abstract: An educational device for simulating the effects of earthquakes includes a table supported above a base by a plurality of coiled springs or other flexible and resilient members. A slot formed in the table coincident with a longitudinal axis of symmetry of the table accommodates a flywheel having a radially extending slot within which is mounted a weight member at any preselected location along the extent of the slot. A battery-operated variable speed motor strapped to the table has an output shaft to which the flywheel is coupled, and a control knob enables a user to vary the speed of rotation of the output shaft and therefore of the flywheel. The intensity of the vibration of the table is varied by moving the weight member along the extent of the radially extending slot. Alternative embodiments include a weight member having a fixed, immovable eccentric position and a balanced flywheel that is mounted eccentrically relative to the output shaft of the motor.